The Himalayas - UPSC Geography Notes Part I

The Himalayas - UPSC Geography Notes Part I

Did you know the Himalayas, the world's highest mountain range, stretch 2,400 kilometers across 13 Indian states? This vast range not only changes the earth's shape but also affects the climate and biodiversity. The average height of the Himalayas is about 6,100 meters, with Mount Everest reaching 8,849 meters.

This article provides key notes and study material on the Himalayas for UPSC. It covers the range's formation, its size, major peaks, and the challenges it faces. Knowing about the Himalayas is vital for understanding geography, environment, culture, and politics.

Introduction to the Himalayas

The Himalayas stretch about 1,550 miles (2,500 km) from west to east. They form a majestic mountain range. This range is key to the region's climate and ecology.

The highest peak, Mount Everest, reaches an elevation of 29,032 feet (8,849 meters). This makes the Himalayas one of the most iconic ranges globally.

Over 110 peaks exceed 24,000 feet (7,300 meters) in height. Nanga Parbat, in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, is 26,660 feet (8,126 meters) high. The Himalayas are not just tall; they are also vital for biodiversity and water sources.

Nearly 600 million people depend on the rivers that start here. This shows how important the Himalayas are for millions.

The Himalayas cover about 230,000 square miles (595,000 square km). They are 125 to 250 miles (200-400 km) wide from south to north. They span six countries - Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

This range is not just beautiful. It also unites cultures and supports diverse ecosystems.

Geographical Extent of the Himalayas

The Himalayas stretch from the Indus River in the west to the Brahmaputra River in the east. They cover about 2,400 kilometers. Their width varies, from 400 kilometers in Kashmir to 150 kilometers in Arunachal Pradesh.

This vast mountain range covers 13 states in India. It plays a big role in the country's geography. The mountains have different altitudes and climates, creating diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity.

Valleys in the hills, like the duns, have their own unique features. This shows how varied the Himalayas' topography is.

Formation of the Himalayas

The Himalayas are a stunning mountain range with a rich history. The Himalayas formation process started about 50 million years ago. It happened when the Indian Plate crashed into the Eurasian Plate.

This crash changed the area a lot. It lifted up huge rocks from the ground.

Geological History

The geological history of the Himalayas shows a lot of geological activity. At first, the area was covered in ancient seas. Then, strong forces pushed the ground up, creating the mountains we see today.

Fossils in the rocks tell us about the past. They show that the area was once wet and mild, a long time ago. This shows how much the landscape has changed.

Tectonic Plate Convergence

The tectonic plate convergence Himalayas causes a lot of earthquakes. The Indo-Australian Plate is moving towards the Eurasian Plate. This makes the Himalayas rise by about 5 millimeters every year.

This movement makes the Himalayas very active. It shows how the mountains are always changing.

Types of Himalayas

The Himalayas are a vast mountain range, divided into four main types: Trans-Himalayas, Greater Himalayas, Lesser Himalayas, and Shivalik Hills. Each type has its own unique features. These features add to the region's rich diversity.

Trans-Himalayas

The Trans-Himalayas are found north of the Greater Himalayas. They are known for their dry landscapes and high plateaus. This area includes ranges like Zanskar, Ladakh, and Karakoram.

The Trans-Himalayas are very high and very dry. Peaks like K2 are among the highest in the world.

Greater Himalayas

The Greater Himalayas, also called Himadri, are home to the highest peaks. Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga are among them. This range is very tall, with an average height of 6,000 meters.

It is made mostly of granite, making it very rugged. The range stretches for a long way, making it the highest part of the Himalayas.

Lesser Himalayas

The Lesser Himalayas, or Himachal, are between the Greater Himalayas and the Shivalik range. They have rolling hills and rugged terrains. Elevations here range from 3,500 to 4,500 meters.

This area is popular for its hill stations like Shimla and Nainital. It's a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike.

Shivalik Hills

The Shivalik Hills are the outermost range of the Himalayas. They separate the Lesser Himalayas from the Indo-Gangetic Plains. These hills are not very high, with elevations below 1,100 meters.

The Shivalik Hills are special because of their unique features. They have duns and duars, shaped by geological processes.

Longitudinal Division of the Himalayas

The longitudinal division of the Himalayas breaks this mountain range into sections. These sections are based on geography and climate. The Himalayas are divided into four main parts: Kashmir/Punjab/Himachal, Kumaun, Central/Nepal, and Assam/Eastern Himalayas.

The Kashmir/Punjab/Himachal section is about 700 km long and 500 km wide. It has peaks like Nanda Devi and Trisul. Important passes like Pir Panjal and Zoji La are here, making it a key route.

The Kumaun Himalayas are between the Sutlej and Kali Rivers. It has peaks like Nanda Devi and the Pindari Glacier. Places like Mussoorie and Nainital are popular tourist spots.

The Central/Nepal Himalayas go from the Kali to the Tista River. Mount Everest, at 8,849 m, is a major draw. This area is known for its topography and biodiversity.

The Assam/Eastern Himalayas include hills like Aka and Dafla. It gets over 200 cm of rain, which affects its plants and animals. Each part of the Himalayas has its own unique nature and culture.

Significance of the Himalayas

The Himalayas are key to the climate and environment of the Indian subcontinent. Their grand presence shapes weather patterns, vital for nature's balance. They impact agriculture, water, and the variety of life in the area.

Climatic Influence

The Himalayas block the southwest monsoon winds. They catch moisture from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, leading to heavy rains in northern India. This is critical for farming and keeping water flowing.

Without the Himalayas, many places would be dry and barren. This would change the landscape and the lives of millions.

Perennial rivers from the Himalayas are essential in the dry season. They bring water from snowmelt. The Ganga and Indus Rivers carry silt, making the plains fertile.

These rivers are vital for farming, drinking water, and industry. They support life in the subcontinent.

Biodiversity

The Himalayas are home to diverse ecosystems, from tropical forests to alpine meadows. This variety supports a wide range of plants and animals. Over 10,000 plant species and many animals live here.

More than 977 bird species, 300 mammals, and reptiles call the Himalayas home. This shows their ecological importance.

Tourism in the Himalayas is booming, thanks to its natural beauty. Places like Mount Kailash and Badrinath attract millions. They offer spiritual and natural wonders.

The region's plants are also valuable for medicine. This supports local industries, showing the Himalayas' economic value.

The Himalayan Mountain Ranges

The Himalayan mountain ranges stretch about 2,400 kilometers from the Indus Gorge to the Dihang Gorge. They have several sub-ranges, each with its own unique features. The width varies, from 400 kilometers in Kashmir to 150 kilometers in Arunachal Pradesh.

The sub-ranges include the Greater Himalayas, Lesser Himalayas, and Outer Himalayas. The Greater Himalayas, or Himadri, has peaks averaging 6,000 meters. This makes it the highest part of the system. The Lesser Himalayas, or Himachal, ranges from 1,500 to 5,000 meters. The Outer Himalayas are the lowest, with heights from 600 to 1,200 meters.

Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, stands at 8,849 meters. Other notable mountains are K2 and Mount Kanchenjunga, at 8,611 and 8,586 meters respectively. The Himalayas greatly affect the climate and geography of India. They block southern winds, helping to control rainfall in the region.

The Himalayan ranges shape the landscape and support over 500 million people in the Indo-Gangetic plains. Their geological and ecological systems are fascinating. They are important for both their beauty and their role in the environment.

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